Thanking Our Unsung Heroes

With my unsung hero, circa 1993-ish

Today is my wedding anniversary. It doesn't even seem possible, but my husband and I have been together for 19 years, and married for 15. This anniversary feels like a big one, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for being the unsung hero of my business and Solo PR Pro.

Chances are you have an unsung hero, too. While we have supporters and champions that come in many forms, those of us with significant others usually find they truly play a heroic role in our success.

To be married to one of us is typically not easy. A spouse must believe in our ability to succeed, and they have to accept that our income will not always be steady – sometimes it can be far greater than theirs, while other times it may be much less. Our leaps of faith we do not take alone – they have to leap with us.

A solo PR business can intrude on day-to-day life, too. A spouse and other family members have to learn not to answer the business phone. They have to recognize that just because you're home doesn't mean you're available, and for heavens sake, don't walk off with my stapler!

2010

In return, they win our love and gratitude, but may not always receive a verbal thank you. So (if you’ll forgive this mushy aside), I’d like to mark my anniversary by saying to my husband, Timothy Brezina, that I appreciate your partnership – in life and in my business. Over the years we’ve seen good times and bad, have been together in sickness and in health, and I look forward to many more years with you as my “biggest fan” and best friend.

Who is your unsung hero? What are some of the many things that person has done for you? Please let us know and take this opportunity to thank them in the comments!

What a fantastic post, Kellye. Living with “one of us,” as you mention, can certainly be difficult. But, it’s also such a gift to a relationship in many ways. The flexibility of this work style means we don’t have to fit in “our time” at the same hour each night. It encourages spontaneity, which can be healthy and often pushed aside.

Congratulations to you and Tim! As Ronnie and I plan to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary this October, it’s sweet to hear of your 15th. I’ve been solo since 6 months after meeting Ronnie. Here’s to many years solo at work, but together in love! 🙂

What a great comment, Jen! You’re right to point out that being married to an indie isn’t *all* bad. 🙂 There are a lot of things we’re able to take care of during the day, if needed, that our employed friends can’t. And in my case, I’m much happier than I would be working for someone else, which I’m sure makes me easier to live with.

An early congrats to you and your unsung hero, Ronnie! He’s a keeper.

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I’ve often thought that we should incorporate “Marry Me, You’re Marrying My PR Job Too!” into our vows. My Tim has driven beverage carts at golf events, presided at awards ceremonies and given me constructive criticism–some of which I actually asked for…